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What do Enterovirus D68, Ebola and Influenza
have in common? The answer is that they
are all viruses, and they have all been in
the news over the past year. This article will
provide a brief discussion of these viruses,
and what we can do to strengthen our immune systems—arguably the most effective approach that can be taken in
protecting ourselves against these and other viruses once
exposed to them.

ENTEROVIRUS D68
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is one of more than 100 non-polio
enteroviruses. EV-D68 can cause mild to severe
respiratory illness. Mild symptoms may include fever, runny
nose, sneezing, cough, and body and muscle aches. Severe
symptoms may include wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Anyone with respiratory illness should contact their doctor if
they are having difficulty breathing or if their symptoms are
getting worse.1

Since EV-D68 causes respiratory illness, the virus can be
found in an infected person’s respiratory secretions, such as
saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum. EV-D68 likely spreads from
person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
touches a surface that is then touched by others. In the United
States, people are more likely to get infected with enteroviruses
in the summer and fall. Cases are likely to decline later in the fall.2

EBOLA
Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare
and deadly disease caused by infection with one of the Ebola
virus strains. Ebola is caused by infection with a virus of the
family Filoviridae, genus Ebolavirus. Ebola was first discovered
in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic
Republic of the Congo. Since then, outbreaks have appeared
sporadically in Africa.3

The best way to prevent exposure to Ebola is to avoid
travel to an area affected by the 2014 Ebola outbreak. CDC
has issued a Warning, Level 3 travel notice for U.S. citizens
to avoid nonessential travel to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra
Leone. CDC has downgraded the travel notice for Nigeria
to a Watch, Level 1 because of the decreased risk of Ebola
in Nigeria. A level 2 travel notice was also issued for the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). If you must travel
to those areas, wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer. Also, avoid contact with blood and body fluids of any person, particularly someone who is sick. Seek medical care immediately if you develop fever (temperature of 101.5°F/ 38.6°C) and any of the other following symptoms: headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, or
unexplained bruising or bleeding.4

INFLUENZA
Influenza (“the flu”) is an infectious disease caused by RNA
viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae, the influenza viruses.
The most common symptoms are chills, fever, runny nose,
sore throat, muscle pains, headache (often severe), coughing,
weakness/fatigue and general discomfort. Although it is often
confused with other influenza-like illnesses, especially the
common cold, influenza is a more severe disease.5 Influenza
may produce nausea and vomiting, particularly in children,
but these symptoms are more common in the unrelated
gastroenteritis, which is sometimes inaccurately referred
to as “stomach flu” or “24-hour flu.”6 Typically, influenza is
transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes containing
the virus. Influenza can also be transmitted by direct contact
with bird droppings or nasal secretions, or through contact
with contaminated surfaces.

VITAMIN A
Vitamin A helps regulate the immune system, which helps
prevent or fight off infections by making white blood cells
that destroy harmful bacteria and viruses.7,8,9,10,11,12 The skin
and mucosal cells (cells that line the eyes and the respiratory,
urinary, and intestinal tract) function as a barrier and form
the body's first line of defense against infection. When those
linings break down, it becomes easier for bacteria to enter the
body and cause infection. Vitamin A promotes healthy surface
linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal
tracts,13 helping the skin and mucous membranes function
as a barrier to bacteria and viruses.14,15,16 In addition vitamin
A plays a central role in the development and differentiation
of white blood cells, such as lymphocytes, which play critical
roles in the immune response by fighting infections.17

VITAMIN C
Vitamin C also plays a profound role in the health of the
immune system, stimulating the production and function
of white blood cells, including leukocytes, neutrophils,
lymphocytes and phagocytes.18,19,20,21,22,23,24 In addition, research
has demonstrated that supplemental vitamin C increases serum
levels of antibodies25,26 and C1q complement proteins.27,28,29
Also, Vitamin C has been shown to increase interferon levels
in-vitro,30 and research on supplemental vitamin C and the
common cold suggests that it promotes an antiviral effect
in humans.31 In a study involving 252 adult subjects with a
cold or flu who were treated with hourly doses of 1000 mg
of vitamin C for the first six hours, and then three times
daily thereafter. A control group of 463 subjects were treated
with pain relievers and decongestants. The results were that
overall reported flu and cold symptoms in the vitamin C group
decreased 85 percent compared with the control group after
the administration of megadose Vitamin C. The researchers in
this study concluded, “Vitamin C in megadoses administered
before or after the appearance of cold and flu symptoms
relieved and prevented the symptoms in the test population
compared with the control group.”32

VITAMIN E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the integrity of
cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals.33 In
particular, the alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E protects
against peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which
can potentially cause cellular damage and subsequently lead
to improper immune responses.34 Several studies in animal
models as well as humans indicate that vitamin E deficiency
impairs both humoral and cell-mediated aspects of adaptive
immunity, including B and T cell function.35 Moreover,
vitamin E supplementation in excess of current intake
recommendations has been shown to enhance immunity
and decrease susceptibility to certain infections, especially in
elderly individuals. In fact, a randomized, placebo-controlled
trial in elderly nursing home residents reported that daily
supplementation with 200 IU of synthetic alpha-tocopherol
(equivalent to 90 mg of RRR-alpha-tocopherol) for one year
significantly lowered the risk of contracting upper respiratory
tract infections, especially the common cold, but had no effect
on lower respiratory tract (lung) infections.36

ZINC
Zinc is essential for the integrity of the immune system,
and inadequate zinc intake has many adverse effects.37 The
immunologic mechanisms whereby zinc modulates increased
susceptibility to infection have been studied for several
decades. It is clear that zinc affects multiple aspects of the
immune system, from the barrier of the skin to gene regulation
within lymphocytes. Zinc is crucial for normal development
and function of cells mediating nonspecific immunity such
as neutrophils and natural killer cells. Zinc deficiency also
affects development of adaptive immunity.38 Furthermore, in
both young adults and elderly subjects, zinc supplementation
decreased oxidative stress markers and generation of
inflammatory cytokines.39 According to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 12 percent of the U.S. population does not meet
the estimated average requirement for zinc.40

BEE PROPOLIS
Propolis is a resinous substance collected from various plants by bees. It is used in the construction of, and to seal the cracks
in, the beehive. It is a mixture of resin, essential oils and waxes,
and also contains amino acids, minerals, ethanol, vitamin A,
B complex, E, and flavonoids.41 In addition to its construction
adhesive application, propolis also has antimicrobial
properties, which helps to prevent microorganisms from
entering the hive and causing illness. In human clinical
research, supplementation with propolis has been shown to
help effectively treat viral upper respiratory tract infections
(e.g. colds and flu).42,43,44

GARLIC
Garlic has an extensive history of use against a variety of
pathogens that cause infections.45,46 In in-vitro research,
the antiviral activity of garlic was tested on human
cytomegalovirus (HCMV). In this research, garlic was effective
when administered concurrently with the HCMV, but the
effect was stronger when pretreatment with garlic occurred.
The authors of this study recommended that clinical use
of garlic against HCMV infection should be persistent, and
the prophylactic (preventive) use of garlic is preferable in
immunocompromised patients.47 In other in-vitro research,
garlic and its sulfur compounds were tested against selected
viruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex
virus type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3, vaccinia virus, vesicular
stomatitis virus, and human rhinovirus type 2. The sulfur
compounds were found to effect antiviral activity.48

ECHINACEA
Arguably, Echinacea is the granddaddy of all immune-enhancing
herbs. It is excellent in helping to prevent and
treat colds and influenza. Research reveals that Echinacea
supports the immune system by activating white blood cells
(lymphocytes and macrophages).49Echinaceaalso increases
the production of interferon, an immune component, which is
important in responding to viral infections.50

Several double-blind, clinical studies have confirmed
Echinacea's effectiveness in treating colds and flu.51,52,53,54
However, some research suggests that Echinacea may be
more effective if used at the onset of these conditions.55,56 One
study involving 238 subjects confirmed that Echinacea was
safe and effective in producing a rapid improvement of cold
symptoms. In the subgroup of patients who started therapy
at an early phase of their cold, the effectiveness of Echinacea
was most prominent.57 In a similar study, 246 subjects with
a cold were treated withEchinacea preparations or a placebo.

Those treated with the Echinaceapreparations experienced
a reduction of symptoms, significantly more effective than
the placebo. The researchers concluded that the Echinacea
preparations, “represent a low risk and effective alternative to
the standard symptomatic medicines in the acute treatment of
common cold.”58

MUSHROOMS
Edible mushroom extracts, especially those used in Chinese
and Japanese natural medicines (Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi), are
a rich source of naturally occurring polysaccharides, especially
beta glucans. These polysaccharides in the aforementioned
mushrooms can directly stimulate immune reactions by
primarily modulating immune responsive cytokines such as
IL-1, IL-2, IL-6 and INF-gamma.59,60,61 Complex polysaccharides
found in these mushrooms act as immunomodulators, helping
to support immune system function. These polysaccharides,
among the most powerful studied,62 are well absorbed when
taken orally and have been used as a potential tool for viral
infections.63,64

ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus is primarily used for its immune stimulating and
adaptogenic properties.65,66 The Chinese use it as a classic
energy tonic, often in place of Ginseng for people under 40
years of age. Astragalus works by stimulating several factors
of the immune system. Evidence based uses of Astragalus
include the treatment of infections (including common cold,
flu, herpes, HIV), water retention, hypertension, antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, and cardiac output.67,68,69

CONCLUSION
The nutraceuticals discussed in this article are not the only ones
that can help promote a strong, healthy immune response, but
they are a good start. You can use some or all of them.

References

Enterovirus D68. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Page last reviewed: September 25, 2014. Page last updated: October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html.

Enterovirus D68. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Division of Viral Diseases. Page last reviewed: September 25, 2014. Page last updated: October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/non-polio-enterovirus/about/ev-d68.html.

About Ebola Virus Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch. Page last reviewed: October 3, 2014. Page last updated: October 3, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/about.html.

Questions and Answers on Ebola. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Viral Special Pathogens Branch. Page last reviewed: October 8, 2014. Page last updated: October 8, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/outbreaks/2014-westafrica/qa.html.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS

Gene Bruno is the Dean of Academics and Professor of Dietary Supplement Science for Huntington College of Health Sciences (a nationally accredited distance learning college offering diplomas and degrees in nutrition and other health science related subjects. Gene has two undergraduate Diplomas in Nutrition, a Bachelor’s in Nutrition, a Master’s in Nutrition, a Graduate Diploma in Herbal Medicine, and a Master’s in Herbal Medicine. As a 32 year veteran of the Dietary Supplement industry, Gene has educated and trained natural product retailers and health care professionals, has researched and formulated natural products for dozens of dietary supplement companies, and has written articles on nutrition, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and integrative health issues for trade, consumer magazines, and peer-reviewed publications. Gene's latest book, A Guide to Complimentary Treatments for Diabetes, is available on Amazon.com, and other fine retailers.

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